50 High Street

In the late 18th and early 19th Century the Langley Family (James and John) were the main drapers/tailors operating in the High Street at possibly both No 51 (East Side) and No 50 (West Side). By 1838 Thomas Smith Rose had purchased the business at No 51 and by 1851 was operating from No 50. The Paine family would then run the business for the next 135 years before rebranding under the Debenhams name in 1973. Currently the shop, which now encompasses No’s 42 – 54 High Street, remains vacant.        

See E P Rose & Son for more information

Summary of Occupiers

1785: Langley mentioned as a Tailor in the Merchants Miscellany

1791 – 1792: John Langley, a Taylor and Habit Maker, in the High Street

1791: James Langley, a Draper opens No 51 High Street

1808 -1810/11: James Langley, Draper, and John Langley, Tailor, both operating in High Street              

1830: J B Langley, Linen and Woollen Draper

1838: Thomas Smith Rose purchases Drapery Business of Thomas Langley at 51 High Street

1839: G and J Langley, Langleys and Bull, Drapers

1841: J B Langley at No 50 (Thomas Rose at No 51), Drapers

1851: Thomas Rose moves across Street to No 50 High Street

1851 – 1867: Thomas Rose, Draper

1869 – 1890: Edward Paine Rose, Draper

1891 – 1972/3: Edward Paine Rose and Son Ltd, Drapers then Departmental Store Owners

1973/4 – 2021: Debenhams, Department Store

2021 – 2025: Empty